My Rainbow is thiiiissss BIG...

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Monday, June 25, 2012

My Rainbow Is Here!


It's taken me a while to get to my Blog to add the story of Jett's birth.  I faced unexpected and upsetting challenges during my surgery, but his delivery was perfect and so is he.  My will was not done, but my Heavenly Father's Will was and that is answered prayer, always.  My story did not go exactly how I had hoped but the end result was a perfectly healthy mama and baby and that's all I could've asked for.  Jett is an answer to my prayers and deep desire.  I've waited for him a long time and he is finally HERE!  He has made my life and my family complete.

The Story of Jett's Birth

On Friday, June 8th 2012 @ exactly 39 weeks, I arrived at East Jefferson Hospital for 5:30am and was brought to my pre/post operation recovery room.  Scott, the boys, DD, Paw Paw, and my sister were all there with me.  I was excited/scared/nervous, but the real nerves hadn’t hit me yet.  I changed into my hospital gown and gave a urine sample.  My attending nurse hooked me up to the monitors to keep track of Jett’s heartbeat and any contractions.  She explained to me how to read the monitors and pointed out where I was having mild contractions.  She then attempted to insert my IV; unfortunately she failed at TWO different attempts into my right hand causing me lots of pain.  My mom was standing there and I was very tempted to just ask her to do it!  Finally, the nurse decided to try my left hand and thankfully was successful on her first attempt.  Those IV’s are the worst, large and so uncomfortable!  They gave me a couple of meds to help with nausea and heartburn.  Then the nurse shaved me with some very dull clippers and that was not comfortable at all.  She even apologized for them being dull, in which I thought, well, if you know they are dull why don’t you spare your patients the agony and get a new blade for crying out loud.  The delivery time was set for 7:30am; as the time drew near the traffic of nurses and doctors coming in and out of the room picked up, I knew we were getting close.  Hubby suited up in his scrubs and my nerves started kicking in big time, I started to shake uncontrollably.


  They wheeled me out as I kissed my family goodbye and waved.  I had a sweet little nurse, who I loved immediately; she was 34wks pregnant with twins (babies number 7 & 8 for her!)  Her presence was so calming.  She reassured me over and over that everything was going to be okay, when they were prepping me for the spinal, she stood in front of me, holding my hands, telling me exactly what they were doing and what was going to happen.  Still shaking pretty violently I gripped her hands with a death grip as I anticipated the needle.  It ended up not being that bad at all, the IV’s earlier that morning were worse.  Scott was in the room with me the entire time and stood beside my fave nurse as they administered the spinal.  Once the shot took effect I laid down and was finished being prepped for surgery.  My doctor soon got to work with the delivery and talked me through the steps she was taking.  I remember her commenting on the good amount of scar tissue I had, that was no surprise, this was the fifth time I was being cut into.  Twenty minutes later, at 7:50am, and after a lot of hard pushing, pulling and immense pressure on my upper torso, Jett entered the world, measuring a healthy 7lbs. 2oz and 20in long!  He registered an 8.9 on the Apgar scale. His precious cries were loud and strong, all I wanted to do was hold him, and I waited patiently to see his little face for the first time.  Finally, Scott brought him over to me; he is such a doll, he looks a lot like his brother Jared.  I wanted to hold him so badly but with only one arm free to touch him and in still in the process of surgery, it was near impossible to get as close to him as I wanted.  He would cry and I would try to talk to him to comfort him and he would stop crying and listen.  Scott held him next to me a good long time.  My sweet anesthesiologist offered to video tape us all together.  After a nice first visit and a quick pee on daddy, he and daddy headed out to the nursery and to meet the rest of his family.  I still had a lot of lying there and waiting to do while my doc continued to work on me and I was hoping it would be wrapping up quickly so I could be reunited with my babe and my family.  Little did I know, the surgery would take much longer than anticipated and there would be some hard, unexpected changes to come.


While my family oohh’ed and ahh’ed over the new baby through the nursery windows as he was thoroughly checked out by the nurses and his pediatrician, my doctor was hard at work on me in the operating room.  The last thing I remember her telling me was that the cyst would be better removed along with the entire right ovary, that it was attached to, along with the right fallopian tube, for extra precaution. It was large and she didn’t want to run the risk of it bursting and/or leaking into my abdomen. *Two weeks later, at my first post-op checkup, I learned the cyst was indeed benign and a tumor-like cyst that would have continued to grow had it not been removed.* I was at peace with this decision, I knew I would still have my left ovary and tube, being I still had a hope and a dream for more children one day, it would still be a possibility.  I’m not sure at what point the decision was made to put me under general anesthesia, but the surgery had become more complicated and involved than anyone was expecting.  My poor husband was pacing the halls wondering how much longer my surgery was going to take and what was going on.  At one point my doctor came out to talk to him and fill him in on the complications that had arisen.  My uterus was in pretty bad shape; it was hemorrhaging in various places and had stopped contracting to help stop the bleeding.   My doctor tried desperately to patch the affected areas, but after hours of working on the issue, could not stop the bleeding.  The decision was made, unaware to me, to go ahead and remove the uterus.  After almost 3hours on the table, delivering my baby, removing a large cyst including my right ovary and tube, performing a partial hysterectomy and stitching me back together, I was finally moved back into recovery.  My left ovary and tube were left intact, this would help my hormones regulate in the future and my cervix was left unharmed and untouched. 

When I awoke in recovery I was in a lot of pain, my memory is fuzzy from this time. I remember requesting pain meds stat!  I remember being hot and asking for a fan to be put on me and ice be fed to me.  I remember feeling very nauseous and throwing up my ice chips.  I remember holding and breastfeeding my baby, and I also remember being upset because something had caused my vision to be blurry and I could hardly see his little face.  The pain meds were making me very sleepy and I could barely keep my eyes open for more than a few seconds.  I know my doctor came in and attempted to explain everything that happened during the surgery, but I couldn’t keep my eyes on her and really couldn’t remember anything she had said later on.  Later on, the next day, once I had become more stable with my meds and able to be more alert and awake, the reality of everything that I had gone through hit me and I was very upset by it all.  The fact that parts of my body had been removed along with any chance for future children was a hard reality to face, still is.  I do understand the reasoning for it and I’m grateful to my doctor, who did everything in her power to do what was best for me and my body.  My emotions were all over the place for weeks after my surgery, thanks mainly to my postpartum hormones.  Physically, this had been the hardest recovery yet, but I’ve had so much done to my body this time, I know it’s going to take longer to heal.  I lost a lot of blood and received a total of 4 units before I was released.  Jett had to spend our last day and night in the nursery under the lights to treat his rising bilirubin levels, but thankfully we were successful in getting his levels down to an acceptable number so that he could be discharged with me the next day.  I spent a total of 3 nights and four days in the hospital and was discharged Monday, June 11th.  Jett had no issues breastfeeding and has been a wonderful eater, which has been helpful in treating the jaundice.  He left the hospital weighing 6.8 and a few days later, at his first check-up apt had already gone back up to 7lbs.  He is doing great!  He is a wonderful baby, hardly ever cries.  He is adored by his brothers and loved by so many.  He is a true joy and gift from Heaven above.

I’m so thankful for my family and their undying support and love; I’ve truly needed it and relied on them so much for it.  I’m thankful for my doctor, who did her job to the best of her ability and in the end saved my life and saved me from any future harm.  I’m thankful to my hospital and its staff who provided a very pleasant stay; they were very helpful, accommodating and respectful in honoring my wishes.  They took excellent care of me and my newborn.  And most of all, I’m thankful to my Heavenly Father for knowing what’s best for me and having His Will done in my life; for sustaining my life and keeping me safe.  I thank Him for granting me the desire of my heart and blessing me with one more child and allowing my body to do what it needed to, one more time, in order to sustain and maintain his little life.  I am so thankful for the four, beautiful, perfect children I’ve been given, I really couldn’t ask for more.  My life is blessed beyond measure and my family has been made whole and complete with the birth of my Rainbow baby, Jett Joseph.





Thursday, June 7, 2012

Registered, Admitted, and Ready!

Went to get Pre-Admitted today.  Got my hospital bands on, answered questions, signed papers, gave blood and urine and got to listen to the hb for a sec.  All looks good and I'm all set to go in the morning!  Doing good, emotionally, the real nerves haven't kicked in yet.  Kind of in a state of just "Can't believe he will not be in my belly anymore". Physically, I'm really tired today and have been in the bed since I've been home.  I've been laying here feeling him move all around and cherishing the last moments of it, there sure is nothing like it!  I hope he's ready to come out of there...lol.
My mom and step-dad are on their way and should be here any minute, looking forward to them being here with me.  We will all go to the hospital bright and early in the morning, I have to be there at 5:30am with surgery commencing at 7:30am!  My sister and my father-in-law are also planning on being there early, so I'll have a nice team of support around me.
I have my instructions and know right where to go, praying it goes quickly and smoothly and baby and I can get to resting and bonding soon.  Exciting!! Pics and Birth Story Coming Soon....

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

38 weeks here!

Today I am 38wks and 5 days!  In just 2 days at 39wks, I'll be holding my Rainbow!  Words can not describe how THANKFUL I am to be at this point in my life! 

As the day draws closer and closer the reality of it all grows and so does my mixed bag of emotions.  I've been working hard to combat the negative ones, such as the fears, worries, and anxieties that arise when I think of the surgery and all that it implies.  But, my peace, comfort, and joy take over when I focus on seeing my precious boy's face for the first time, hearing that first cry, and feeling his little body pressed up against mine.  So, I will attempt to stay in that frame of mind as I go through the next 48 or so hrs.  These are my hopes and prayers for what lies ahead:

1. I will remain at peace at all times, no matter what.
2.  The painful parts won't seem so painful and will pass quickly.
3.  Jett will be fully ready to greet the world, perfectly healthy, with no issues whatsoever and his delivery will go smoothly and without complication.
4.  The cyst on my right ovary will be a normal, fluid-filled, non-cancerous one.  The doctor will have no troubles removing it from my ovary and the ovary will stay perfectly intact and remain fully functional, not having been affected by the cyst in any way.
5.  My surgery will be an overall success that will be handled quickly and efficiently, in which I will recover well and speedy.
6.  Jett and I will be reunited after surgery ASAP and will have no issues with bonding/feeding.
7.  Me, Jett and my family will have a wonderful and pleasant experience during our duration at the hospital and only be met with kind, supportive medical staff and comfortable facilities.
8.  Our Birth plan will be enforced and respected and circumcision will be as painless as possible and done to perfection.

I had my last two Prenatal Appts this week:

My u/s with the Perinatologist went well.  Jett still measuring and growing perfectly, with an estimated weight of 7lbs 7oz (@38w3d).  Me and the boys will miss seeing good ole Dr. Miller, he surely is a character. I am relived my experience with him has been a great one and he's interventions were never needed.  It was a blessing and comfort to have had the opportunity to see Jett on u/s as often as we did and I'm glad I got to experience that with my boys.

My last check-up with Dr. Allison also went well, quick as usual.  Measurements great, HB strong and cervix still very closed and high (no change there).  Next time I will see her is early Friday morning in the OR.

I have truly cherished every second of this pregnancy, the exciting moments: hearing the HB for the first time, sharing my joyous news with family and friends, feeling his first flutters, watching my belly grow and celebrating every milestone of my little one as he was so perfectly formed within me. I knew my journey would go by quickly and it has.  Thank YHWH, my journey has been a blessed and perfect one!  Just 18mths ago I was mourning the loss of my 5th pregnancy and 2nd angel and wondering if I would ever feel life fill my uterus again.  This Beautiful Rainbow that will shine brightly for all the world to see in a matter of hours is the answer to my freverant prayers.  My dear son, Jett Joseph, mommy, daddy, brothers, and many family & friends can not wait to meet you~





How your baby's growing:

Your baby has really plumped up. She weighs about 6.8 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.
Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If she's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after she's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

37 week check-up

Had my 2nd to last appt with my OB today and thank goodness, cuz I'm sick of sitting in that waiting room for hours! Good appointment, all is well.  I'm measuring 39wks (I finally asked).  I haven't gained any weight since last week and have gained a total of 33 overall, so far. HB was strong at 140 and BP is good.  My cervix is still closed nice and tight.  I'm looking forward to getting a peek at Jett next Monday at my last u/s with Dr. Miller and then my final appt with Dr. Stewart on Tuesday.  Jett's birthday can't come soon enough, I'm ready!!

Saturday, May 26, 2012

37 Weeks!

This week, medically, I am considered "Full Term"!! How exciting is that?! My lil man could come any minute and most likely be perfectly ready for life on the outside.  But, we want him to stay in for 13 more days at least...I really like the idea of carrying him to 39wks. :-)  Contractions, Pressure, and just overall body achiness has increased and the discomfort is growing right along with Jett daily. I've made it this far, what's a couple more weeks right?...sigh. I'm slowly but surely checking off my list of Things To Do Before Jett Comes.  I pulled my sewing machine out and made the cutest burp cloths for him and will have them monagrammed this week....here they are (pre-monagrammed)


Also, I started packing my hospital bags today, as much as I could anyway, there are a few things that will have to go in last minute.  But, I do feel way more prepared and organized with what I have done.  Tomorrow, Scott is going to clean the car for me then we're going to get his carseat in place.  I'm pretty sure that's about all I can do up to this point...now we just wait for the day to arrive.  I have an appt this week and two next week...next week is going to be KA-RAZY!  Will update more later.....

Thursday, May 24, 2012

36 weeks!

36 weeks today and will be 37 weeks tomorrow!!  OH MY!  Really I could have him anytime now, but I'm keeping fingers crossed he waits til his appointed day...which is only 14 days away now!  I had my beautiful Joel at 36 wks, thank goodness he was ready to be born that soon; and had Jordon and Jared both at 38 wks. Jared struggled a bit at that time and I had wished he wouldn't baked a little longer, so hopefully at 39 wks Jett will be good to go!
I had my weekly check up this week and all is looking great, stable and quiet.  Cervix is still closed, Jett's getting bigger and all is well in my world of pregnancy.  I was informed that my delivery time of 12pm had been changed to 7:30am, so I will have to get to the hospital bright and early at 5:30am that Friday.  I already know I will most likely not be getting any sleep Thursday night...I will be much too excited/nervous/etc.  So, hopefully, I can get myself to nap a bit during the day.  Then once Jett is in my arms and we're both settled we can snooze together. :-)
I haven't had very many contractions, just a few here and there and some painful cervical pressure from time to time.  Jett's still moving around very well in his limited space, I think we'll both be relieved when he's out and can move around more freely.  Only two more dr visits with Dr. Stewart and one more u/s with Dr. Miller.... getting antsy to meet my lil man!!

My firstborn graduated from Middle School this week!!  High School Bound!  


How your baby's growing:
Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of her first bowel movement.
At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) Most likely she's in a head-down position. But if she isn't, your practitioner may suggest scheduling an "external cephalic version," which is a fancy way of saying she'll try to coax your baby into a head-down position by manipulating her from the outside of your belly.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Week 35

Well, I'll be 36 weeks tomorrow, so running just a wee bit behind on this update.  I had another ultrasound with Dr. Miller this week.  I was disappointed because Nadine, the u/s tech that always gets me such great pics, was out, so I didn't get any great pics. :-(  The doc did say, and I quote, "Your kid looks like a million bucks!".  That was so great to hear!  He's gone from 5lbs 5oz to 6lbs 3oz in 2wks!  I can't wait to see what he'll end up weighing on his birthday.  So, he's growing wonderfully and doing great...Thank you, Father.  My next ultrasound will be in 3wks, which is actually the same week my c-section is planned...so not much longer now!  I have noticed some more contractions and cramps, not many though, I would say at least 2-3 a day.  They're not very strong or painful, just uncomfortable.  I notice I get them more when I'm active and doing alot on my feet, so all the more reason to take it easy these last few weeks.  I really want to make it til my d-day.  I have a good feeling I will.

My oldest graduates from Middle School this weekend.  I can't believe how fast time has flown...my baby will be a highschooler at the same time we welcome his 3rd little brother into our family...so sweet. I can't wait to see the boys with him, helping, holding, making him laugh, teaching him. :-)  I know it will be an adjustment to our normal routine, but I have a feeling it will all go very smoothly and I'm excited to get started!

35 weeks
How Jett's doing this week:

 

How your baby's growing:

Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon